"When you control a man's thinking you do not have to worry about his actions. You do not have to tell him not to stand here or go yonder. He will find his "proper place" and will stay in it. You do not need to send him to the back door. He will go without being told. In fact, if there is no back door, he will cut one for his special benefit. His education makes it necessary."

In 1933, American historian and educator Carter Woodson delivered a powerful denouncement of "Euro-centric" school curricula that inspired black Americans to demand relevant learning opportunities inclusive of their own culture and heritage. Similar thoughts, expressed in other addresses and articles, formed the basis for this landmark work by the pioneering crusader of black education.